Red Kidney Bean (Rajma)

The kidney bean is a variety of the common bean. It is named for its visual resemblance in shape and colour to a kidney. Kidney bean is good in simmered dishes where they absorb the flavors of seasonings and the other foods with which they are cooked. Rich in protein, red kidney beans are well-liked for their sweet flavor and light texture. These dried beans are some of the most frequently eaten in the world. Red kidney beans are commonly used India & southern Louisiana for the classic Monday Creole dish of red beans and rice. The smaller, darker red beans are also used, particularly in Louisiana families with a recent Caribbean heritage. To make bean paste, kidney beans are generally prepared from dried beans and boiling until they are soft, at which point the dark red beans are pulverized into a dry paste.